This verb means to play the κίθαρα (cithara or lyre), a stringed musical instrument. Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 14:7 as an illustration about intelligible communication: even lifeless instruments like the harp must give distinct notes, or how will anyone know the tune? Revelation 14:2 uses the participle to describe the sound John hears from heaven—like harpists playing their harps. The word emphasizes the action of making music with this particular instrument, which was prominent in both Greek culture and Jewish temple worship. Classical usage could also metaphorically mean to 'put on airs,' but the NT uses are literal musical references.